Today's the big day: Windows 8 has arrived. Microsoft executives were in New York City yesterday (re-) introducing Redmond's new operating system to techies, press, analysts, and the world. But make sure you check out PCMag's review of Windows 8, where we give it a... well, you'll have to find out for yourself.

As PCMag's Michael Muchmore noted in that review, however, Microsoft chose to build something completely new—a combination tablet/desktop operating system, rather than update Windows 7. The company's line is that it's a "no-compromise" proposition touch-friendly environment for tablets combined with the ability to run all your existing Windows programs.

Much has been made of the company's no-longer "Metro" interface, or the bright, dynamic live tiles that dominate the screen as it powers on. Yes, there's a traditional desktop, but it's somewhat hidden; whether users will be able to easily navigate to that desktop (or whether they'll care) is something that will be determined over the next few months or days. As others have pointed out, however, users don't really have a choice; new PCs will come with Windows 8 whether they like it or not, and businesses, as they traditionally do, will be somewhat slow to adopt it as they carefully deploy it across their enterprises.

With that said, Windows 8 certainly has a few noteworthy features that should be called out yet again. As you consider whether to buy into Microsoft's new operating system, whether it be via a software upgrade or a new piece of hardware, check out the following pages to help you decide.

2Tablet-Friendly Touch Input

3Fast, Fast, Fast!

Microsoft claims that optimized Windows 8 PCs can boot in as little as 10 seconds. While that may not be as fast as a rival tablet, it's still darn quick for Windows. Check out our benchmarks for more.